Elder Abuse

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Elder abuse is a serious problem in this country. It can happen within the family or in the community and affects people who often cant take care of themselves. Dr. Edward Hill discusses elder abuse in todays 60 Second Housecall.

Dr. Hill:

Elder abuse is any abuse or neglect of a person age 60 or older by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that threatens his or her health or safety.

It is difficult to determine the prevalence of elder abuse because many cases are not reported. Experts believe that females are more likely to be abused and that the older a person is, the more likely he or she is to be abused.

Family members, adult children or spouses are implicated in 90 percent of the cases of elder abuse. Those affected are usually elderly people who are cognitively or physically frail, depressed, lonely or lacking social support.

Elder abuse can include physical abuse such as the infliction of pain or injury; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; caregiver neglect, a refusal or failure to fulfill basic needs; and financial exploitation.

If you suspect elder abuse, get help from family, friends or local support groups or call the Eldercare Help Line at 1-800-677-1116.